Sounds of SAND

In this live recording from The Eternal Song Seven Day Premier broadcast, hosts Zaya and Maurizio Benazzo engage in a deep discussion with guests Francis Weller, a psychotherapist and soul activist, and Orland Bishop, a spiritual teacher and founder of ShadeTree Foundation. Exploring themes such as indigenous wisdom, the impact of colonialism, communal grieving, and the necessity of reconnecting with ancestral roots. The dialogue also covers the significance of embracing grief as a communal and necessary process for healing and transformation, and reflects on what it means to enter a 'long dark' period — a time of significant societal and personal upheaval. We Explored grief as a sacred threshold, not a pathology, remembering the soul’s place in a world of fragmentation and reclaiming reverence, slowness, and deep belonging in troubled times. The Eternal Song film series and All-Access Pass Francis Weller ShadeTree Multicultural Foundation (Orland Bishop) Topics 00:00 Introduction to The Eternal Song and Today's Guests 02:05 Opening Invocation and Reflections on Grief 04:36 Historical Context and the Impact of Colonialism 07:37 The Role of Rituals and Ancestral Wisdom 14:38 Communal Grief and Healing Practices 26:06 Entering the Long Dark: A Time of Transformation 39:41 Connecting with Ancestors and Concluding Thoughts Support the mission of SAND and the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member

Lama Rod Owens, a Black Buddhist Southern Queen and Harvard Divinity graduate, discusses radical self-care and compassion in a world facing turmoil. He emphasizes the necessity of personal healing to drive societal change, particularly in light of global conflicts. The conversation touches on the concept of 'new saints' who work altruistically within their communities, and the power of representation in spiritual writing. Finally, Owens highlights the transformative role of prayer in fostering connection and nurturing resilience.

Renowned spiritual leaders Rabbi Lynn Gottlieb, Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche, Rev. Deborah Lee, and Pir Zia Inayat Khan come together in a powerful interfaith gathering to express solidarity with Palestinians. They emphasize shared humanity, dignity, and peace with justice in Palestine, offering inspiration to embody ethical and moral principles across diverse spiritual traditions.

Alixa García, a Colombian-born multi-disciplinary artist and passionate activist, discusses the intersection of art, culture, and environmental issues. She emphasizes the importance of Indigenous resilience and the transformative power of creativity in facing climate crises. The conversation explores themes of enchantment, collective grief, and futurism. Alixa shares insights from her experiences at Burning Man, highlighting community, ritual, and the urgency of nurturing our planet. She invites listeners to reconnect with the cosmos and envision a harmonious future through her upcoming course.

Today on the show, we welcome Scott Kiloby and Toshi Matsunaga, authors of Awake But Sick, to explore the hidden emotional pain that can persist even after profound spiritual awakening. Their work challenges the common myths of nonduality and mindfulness, offering a deeper path through emotional repression, physical illness, and the illusion of immediate freedom. In this conversation, we explore the gap between awakening and true healing, the dangers of spiritual bypassing, and how to reconnect with the body’s wisdom to find lasting peace. Links  Kiloby.com Nondualship with Toshi Matsunaga Nonduality & KI Monthly Meeting with Toshi   Awake But Sick   Emotional Repression Test Inquiry Topics 00:00 Introduction to Guests and Their Work 01:34 Scott and Toshi's Journey to Collaboration 02:31 Understanding Kiloby Inquiries (KI) 03:12 The Dimensions of Spiritual Practice 04:54 Addressing Spiritual Bypassing 08:48 The Connection Between Awakening and Suffering 12:26 The Role of Repressed Emotions 15:28 Integrating Non-Dual Teachings with Modern Psychosis 25:49 The Iceberg Metaphor and Emotional Repression 29:13 The Role of Spiritual Practices in Repression 31:35 Identifying Patterns of Avoidance and Spiritual Bypassing 32:49 Signs of Repression in Meditation and Spiritual Practices 36:31 Understanding and Addressing Anger Repression 46:54 The Importance of Community in Spiritual Work 52:20 Connecting with the Speakers and Their Work Support the mission of SAND and the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member

Rune Hjarnø Rasmussen, a historian of religion with a PhD from Uppsala University, dives into the fascinating world of Nordic animism. He discusses the vital connection between ancestral traditions and modern environmental activism. Rune emphasizes the importance of decolonizing perspectives to revive indigenous practices amid contemporary challenges. Listeners learn about the emotional ties to ancestry, the role of reciprocity in spiritual practices, and how animism can offer solutions to issues like isolation and polarization in today's society.

Wendy Elisheva Somerson, a non-binary Jewish somatic healer and activist, discusses their new book on anti-Zionist Jewish healing. They delve into the impact of Zionism on Jewish historical trauma and advocate for healing practices that acknowledge both personal and communal struggles. The conversation highlights the intertwining of activism and spirituality, emphasizing solidarity with marginalized communities. Somerson also shares somatic practices to process heavy emotions and promote resilience, fostering a hopeful vision for a liberated future.

Join Aboriginal elders Uncle Paul Callaghan and Uncle Paul Gordon as they share profound insights into their cultures. They discuss the significance of Dreamtime stories and the deep connection between identity and land. The conversation highlights the importance of communal relationships over individualism, advocating for respect for nature and environmental stewardship. They also emphasize values like love and sharing, urging listeners to embrace compassion in their lives.

In this enlightening conversation, Abigail Rose Clarke, a somatic educator and author of Returning Home to Our Bodies, unpacks the profound connection between our bodies and the world. She discusses embodiment as a path toward systemic change, embracing healthy boundaries, and the potential for our bodies to guide us in navigating pain and healing. Abigail critiques the wellness industry while promoting a holistic understanding of human emotions and relationships. Get ready for insights on redefining hope and upcoming projects like the Body Oracle tarot deck!

Join Funie Hsu/Chhî, an Associate Professor of American Studies from a Taiwanese-American background, and Rev. Duncan Ryuken Williams, a renowned Buddhist scholar and ordained priest, for a compelling discussion on Buddhism's role in social change. They explore transforming grief into connection, especially in response to racially motivated violence affecting Asian American communities. Their insights challenge traditional Western perspectives on Buddhism, emphasizing resilience, community, and the need for inclusivity within spiritual environments.